News

New Zealand XI declare at 227 on Day 1 against West Indies

Hamish Rutherford dashed to a half-century from 29 balls and included 12 fours in an innings of just 49 deliveries. (Getty Images)

Christchurch: Test opener Hamish Rutherford top-scored with 61 for a New Zealand XI who declared at 227 for 8 at stumps on Wednesday on the first day of a three-day match against the touring West Indies.

Rutherford dashed to a half-century from 29 balls and included 12 fours in an innings of just 49 deliveries. Fellow Test opener Peter Fulton was out for 1 and Dean Brownlie, who is likely to play in the first of three Tests between New Zealand and the West Indies at Dunedin from Dec. 3, made 6.

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum, battled chronic back pain to make 22.

Shannon Gabriel took 2 for 53 and Sheldon Cottrell 2 for 60 for the West Indies who are short-handed as they await members of their limited overs squad currently in India.